Morpeth based Telemetry-online is providing flexible and eco-friendly heating solutions after bringing to market a new energy management system, with the help of Business Link. HEAT4 was developed by former gas engineer Peter Chambers, after realising the benefits of telemetry – a remote monitoring system used to control unmanned plants and equipment in the gas, water, electricity and process industries - to small businesses and public buildings.

He said: “As a specialist in the monitoring and control of pipe networks and storage facilities in the gas industry, I realised there was an opportunity to adapt the systems I had worked with to enable small businesses to cut costs and reduce energy waste.

“I was approached by a friend who was treasurer of Finaghay Baptist Church in Northern Ireland. He had heard I was thinking of starting my own business and wondered if I could help with the problems they were having in keeping their clock programmers up to date with their two week pattern of use. The system they had in place also didn’t account for changes to the outside temperature. This became my first project and the motivation behind HEAT4 and I worked closely with them to develop a bespoke system which could be operated over the internet.”

With his technical background, Peter recognised that he needed support with some of the more fundamental aspects of business, including sales and marketing, after a chance meeting with Business Link in 2008.

Peter added: “I was feeling despondent after losing my two main computers to the Morpeth floods which I had invested my own finances in. I heard that Business Link was helping businesses recover and was persuaded to contact them. Since that meeting I have never looked back. At the time I was in the development stage of my business and they were able to provide a wide range of practical support to help bring HEAT4 to market.”

Business Link support has included identifying a suitable marketing consultant through the North East England Service Provider Register (NEESPR), as well as identifying funding towards these services through the North East England Investment Centre (NEEIC).

Keen to keep all aspects of the project within the north east, Business Link was able to help Peter source suitable companies to manage individual aspects of the manufacturing process, also through the NEESPR. The first batch of 50 units are now being produced and will be available for installation later this month (April).

The system works through sensors both inside and outside of the building which collect temperature information and pass this on to the HEAT4 System Controller. The information is then processed by HEAT4 software which runs on a small netbook computer to control the boiler and zone controller so that heating is activated at just the right time, as indicated by the diary system, and temperature. The energy saving log calculates just how much energy and money is being saved through this predictive control.

Since the first system was developed, HEAT4 has also had the seal of approval from new and renewable energy centre Narec, who have placed an order for two systems. HEAT4 also ‘exceeds the recommended capabilities of modern control systems’ required by the Carbon Trust.

Telemetry-online is now concentrating on marketing the product more widely and on training installers from across the UK and Ireland. Peter is also busy developing a prototype for Process4, a more advanced system for businesses who require greater capabilities for monitoring and control of a variety of heating systems. Peter commented: “As a result of the relationship with Business Link, which came about by chance as a result of a negative situation, the product has been completely developed, branded, marketed and produced within the north east and we are now concentrating on marketing the product more widely.”

Stan Tatko, the Business Link adviser who has worked closely with the business over the past 18 months, said: “Peter is passionate about his product and wasn’t afraid to ask for help in areas of the business that he wasn’t familiar with. With the support and advice from Business Link, his dream of producing his product has come true. It is pleasing to see technology being developed and taken to market, which completely originates from the north east. As HEAT4 is a major energy saving device it supports the region’s aim to be one of the leaders in the energy marketplace.” Business Link has a team of expert advisers who offer advice, help and information to individuals and companies across the region, giving them access to the ‘business brains’ who will help to get their business idea off the ground, or grow their existing company. For further information about Business Link visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast or call 0845 600 9 006.